Birth date: Dec 13, 1932 Death date: Aug 19, 2016
Carolyn Irwin Rhodes Hickson, age 83, of Fayetteville, Arkansas passed away Friday August 19, 2016 in Rogers, Arkansas. She was born December 13, 1932 in Fayetteville to Paul Taylor Rhodes Sr. and Eugenia Joseph Rhodes. She was of Read Obituary
My deepest gratitude to the friends, colleagues and caregivers who attended Carolyn's memorial service, and to those who remembered her with flowers and donations to the scholarship fund. I also want to thank Robert and all the staff at Moore's Chapel; their impeccable and caring service was such a comfort during this difficult and stressful time. I would welcome any further remembrances or connections by email. Warmest regards, Kitty Gaines Maas
As I read through the tributes and comments about Carolyn, I'm thinking "Any or all of us should be so lucky as to merit such outpouring of adulation and compliments that Carolyn's life engendered" AND WELL DESERVED! Our own story is one of caring for one of her students . I am reminded of the biblical account of a Savior that, tho charged with the welfare of many, expressed his concern of one that had strayed from the flock. It reflected a sense of duty and courage that few of us would possess. She had the will to fulfill her obligation to each and everyone that passed into her classes, be it to succes or failure, Carolyn shepherded each and every student to the end. I do not know if Carolyn was a religious person, but I am confident that the God our religion will welcome her to a position of importance, looking out for each and every "sheep in the flock left on earth"! Thank you Carolyn.
Carolyn was the very definition of a strong, independent woman, but I am glad I got to know her also as a caring and generous soul. I treasure the hours we spent discussing vitamins and minerals with a little U of A politics and philosophy of life thrown in for added spice. I hope there is a good supply of vitamin C in heaven!
Eric Wiggins you said it all! Carolyn was pretty scary when she would look at you over those big glasses (which she was still wearing after all of these years)! It took me awhile to figure out that all she wanted was for us to really KNOW everything she did. Writing the fingering in every note of a Beethoven Sonata took hours, but you knew the form, the theory, the rhythm and the melody of the piece once the fingerings were written on that music.And none of us will ever forget the HANON exercises! Yes, Carolyn they worked. Turning around with your back to the keyboard and reciting the notes, and sometimes fingering, for a piece was excruciating, but I never forgot that piece! Years later I taught those same pieces to students and used many of her same techniques. Yes, Carolyn, your method worked!Most people didn't know about her doll collection or that she also loved teddy bears and Christmas! One of her biggest treasures, literally, was her old old car! Carolyn was a lover of good coffee and we had a small coffee pot in her studio and I would make coffee at the beginning of our lesson while she was outside smoking a cigarette. Carolyn and I continued to stay in touch the past twenty years after we left Arkansas and did, indeed, have many heated discussions about politics on the phone. As we know, you couldn't win a debate with her, so I just listened. Something tells me Carolyn is leaning back in a desk chair with a cigarette and a cup of hot coffee listening to someone play "the right note at the right time at the right place". Rest in sweet peace my old friend. Ladonna Woods, Westlake, OH
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For 38 years, Carolyn and I have lived with our backyards touching each other.My daughter Catherine, born in 1981 became fast friends and champions of Carolyn and her mother Eugenia. Carolyn was not one to be easily wooed. She took her time sizing you up, deciding weather she would let you into her life Once she decided you were 'okay', you were totally in! She was a staunch advocate anyone lucky enough to be called friend. She had your back! She had an incredible intelligence, and was not shy about her opinions. She enjoyed passionate discussions and the driest, most wicked humor and could through out satirical one liners for hours! One of my favorite memories is of a large, gray homeless kitty. She knew that Catherine and I had cats. So when this stray walked into her life, she came to us, fretting about him. She had never had a cat and thought she was allergic to them. We gave her a quick tutorial on felines, and secretly smiled, knowing that animal lover that she was, this cat was hers forever. Catherine and I had just seen the musical "Cat's" and he was named Gustapher Her original plan was that she would feed and water him, and let him sleep on her back porch, but when Winter came calling, Gus became a true house cat They were a fine pair, and obviously adored each other. It was a true love story. The day that Gus died, is one neither Catherine and I will never forget. She came to our front door crying, and in such distress that we just opened our arms to her. I treasure this moment, for I knew that the bond that we had was truly a loving friendship. I will miss out long hours on the phone. I razor-sharp intelligence and steely sense of humor. I will miss exchanging Christmas cars and gifts. For the last 20 years, I have given her huge bags of bird and squirrels food. Much appreciated by her, and when I decorate my Christmas tree, I will cry when I hang the beautiful ornaments she gave us. I am grateful that she got to live out her life at home, and that her death was an easy one. Most of all, I will miss her presence here on Earth. Rest easy Caroline, my friend. I am privileged to have known and loved you.
My husband, daughter and I came to know Carolyn for the past 8 years. We rented a house next door to her on Washington Ave. She was passionate about her backyard wildlife sanctuary, we enjoyed watching the many birds and squirrels that camped out in her backyard. She was so knowledgeable on so many subjects and had her definite opinion on many a topic. At the end of the day if she ever thought you needed her help she was right there with her special dose of concern and compassion. She was one of a kind and we will miss her, Rest in Peace Ms. Carolyn
What a jewel of a lady and what an incredible teacher. She will be missed. RIP, Dr. Hickson.The woman with the stop watch necklaceShe knew music wellA teacher of the finest formExpectations hot as hell Pianist and theory teacherHer room filled with the soundOf melodies from memoryAnd every genre to be found I met this womanAs a lad of a manJust starting on my road She gazed at meAbove the frameOf the glasses on her nose She clicked the silver buttonThe ticking time bomb onCan you name the notes that fastIn time with the metronome? Backwards, forwards, up and downHow well do you knowDon't think, they should come naturally!Like the way that music flows At first I didn't get itI couldn't understandThat she was teaching meTo command, not to be bound The things in lifeThat are learnt so wellWe begin to recognizeThe sound, the feel, the smell It's as if the thing becomes youSecond nature takes the wheelThen not just reading musicBut freedom to make it feel My pedagogue of music theoryInvestor in my IPOYour ROI meant more to meThan you could ever know Thank you Carolyn HicksonMay you forever Rest in PeaceErick Wiggins, August 23, 2016
Carolyn was a valued colleague in the music department for many years. She was a passionate and strong willed woman. She will be missed.
Mrs. Hickson was my freshman Music Theory teacher 45 years ago. She was knowledgeable, dedicated, and very fair. Enjoyed seeing her off and on around town all these years since. Sincere condolences to family and friends.
I was one of Ms. Carolyn fill-in caregivers. She was very knowledgeable on various subjects from politics to religion. Last time I saw her was about 3 weeks ago, we watched the Hilary Clinton Campaign. See you again one day Ms. Carolyn.
